Hector was born in El Paso to Jose and Concepcion Montes on June 20, 1954. He graduated
from Austin High School in 1972, received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of
Texas at El Paso in 1976, and earned a Master’s degree in Education from Stanford University
in 1982.
He married Priscilla Endlich, with whom he had two sons. A dedicated public servant with a
passion for education and media, Hector worked in public relations for the El Paso Health
Department and the El Paso Zoo, was Program Director at KTEP radio, taught English as a
Second Language at El Paso Community College, and was a Communications representative
for the AFSCME union, which recognized him with a lifetime achievement award in 2022.
Hector became known on social media for his photography, particularly his stunning pictures of
El Paso sunrises, which he rose every morning to capture. He was also known for documenting
the roadrunners that nested in the backyard of his home. Hector was active in the local music
scene, championing artists such as Azucar and Art Lewis, for whom he coordinated an annual
birthday celebration for many years and produced two albums, El Paso Art and Cincinnati Bar
and Grill. He was a driven activist who worked with local and national political figures
throughout his life.
Hector is preceded in death by his father and mother, Jose and Concepcion Montes. He is
survived by his sons, Hector Jr. and Diego; his brother Jose Montes, Jr (Carmen); and his sister
Consuelo Serna (Ruben).
Above all, Hector loved and cherished his many family members and friends, and was a
beloved uncle to his nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. All of us loved him in
kind and will miss the warmth, wit and enthusiasm he brought to our lives.
Visitation will be held Friday April 26, 2024 from 10am to 12:30pm with a vigil at 10:30am at Funeraria del Angel Central 3839 Montana Ave. El Paso, Tx 79903
